Updated resilience guidelines help the health-care sector tackle challenges posed by climate change.
As we’ve seen firsthand, the impacts of climate change are becoming more pronounced in British Columbia’s health-care system. From extreme weather events to service disruptions and infrastructure damage, the urgency to create resilient health facilities has never been clearer.
First released in 2020, the Climate Resilience Guidelines for BC Health Facility Planning & Design support the health-care sector to take a significant leap forward in resilience planning. Version 2.0, updated in 2024, is more concise and streamlines the planning and design processes for health facilities, while incorporating fresh insights and aligning with provincial standards.
The guidelines are useful for everyone involved in the planning, design, and management of health-care infrastructure, including project teams, facility staff, and health system collaborators. They offer comprehensive guidance through every stage of health-care projects, from high-level planning to detailed design and construction. Plus, their flexible approach allows the user to tailor the guidelines to fit their unique project needs and context.
Here’s a quick look at what’s new in Version 2.0:
- Streamlined Guidance with Integrated Insights: We’ve refined the guidelines to provide clearer, more actionable recommendations. This version integrates the latest research and best practices, making it easier for project teams to access the information they need.
- Alignment with Provincial Guidance: We’ve made sure that these guidelines are in step with the Province’s Climate Resilience Framework & Standards for Public Sector Buildings, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to climate action.
- Initial Connections to Key Themes: This update starts to connect climate resilience to related health system priorities like reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, health equity, and planetary health.
When planning new health-care facilities or upgrading existing ones, we carefully consider how to not only enhance our systems but also to integrate proactive strategies that address climate risks. The updated guidelines give us the tools to design resilient infrastructure that can adapt to the evolving challenges posed by climate change,” says Amanda McKenzie, Environmental Sustainability Manager for Interior Health.
By proactively addressing climate risks and weaving sustainability and resilience into our health-care infrastructure, BC Health Authorities and their partners are better prepared to meet the challenges posed by climate change. Together, we can safeguard the health and well-being of current and future generations.
We invite all professionals involved in health facility planning and operations to check out this updated resource. You can find the guidelines available for download on the BC GreenCare website here. To dive deeper into the details of the updates, be sure to access the full document here.
